How is India Supporting the Preparations for the 20th East Asia Summit?

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How is India Supporting the Preparations for the 20th East Asia Summit?

Synopsis

India has demonstrated its commitment to regional cooperation by expressing support for the upcoming East Asia Summit. As the meeting unfolds in Malaysia, key discussions on energy efficiency and educational collaborations are on the agenda, revealing a robust diplomatic engagement.

Key Takeaways

  • India shows constructiveness in supporting EAS preparations.
  • Significant bilateral meetings with Australia, Cambodia, and Malaysia.
  • Focus on energy efficiency and educational initiatives during the summit.
  • Strengthening Malaysia-India ties across various sectors.
  • 20th East Asia Summit set for October 2025.

Kuala Lumpur, Sep 10 (NationPress) On Wednesday, India conveyed its constructive support for the preparations concerning the upcoming 20th East Asia Summit. During the East Asia Summit Preparatory Senior Officials’ Meeting (EAS Prep-SOM) held in Port Dickson, Malaysia, the Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), P Kumaran, articulated India's constructive support for the summit preparations.

The meeting was chaired by Dato’ Sri Amran Mohamed Zin, the Secretary General of Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in his role as the ASEAN Chair. Senior officials from the participating nations of the EAS were present.

In his remarks at the EAS Prep-SOM, the Secretary (East) reiterated India's constructive support for the preparations related to the upcoming 20th East Asia Summit. He also extended an invitation to EAS Participating Countries for the EAS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency Policies and Programs - Mission LiFE, along with the Conclave of EAS Heads of Higher Education Institutions, which will take place at Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar, India, as stated by the MEA.

During his visit, Kumaran engaged in bilateral discussions with counterparts from Australia, Cambodia, and Malaysia.

The East Asia Summit Preparatory Senior Officials’ Meeting (EAS Prep-SOM) was convened by Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday in Port Dickson. The meeting assessed preparations for the 20th East Asia Summit scheduled for October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, including deliberations on the summit's outcome documents, as posted by Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X.

On Tuesday, Kumaran met with Dato’ Sri Amran Mohamed Zin and reaffirmed a commitment to enhance collaboration between both nations across various sectors.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, the meeting on September 9, 2025, highlighted both countries’ dedication to furthering Malaysia–India cooperation and enhancing ASEAN-India collaboration within ASEAN-led frameworks.

The East Asia Summit represents the annual gathering of Heads of States/Governments from EAS participating nations. The EAS process was launched in 2005 with the inaugural summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Initially, the East Asia Summit included 16 participating countries: ASEAN Member States, Australia, China, India, Japan, New Zealand, and the Republic of Korea. The United States and Russia joined during the 6th East Asia Summit held in Bali, Indonesia, on November 19, 2011.

Point of View

It is imperative to acknowledge India's proactive approach in supporting the East Asia Summit preparations. This reflects not only India's commitment to regional stability and collaboration but also its intent to strengthen ties within ASEAN-led frameworks. Such diplomatic engagements solidify India's role as a key player in East Asia's geopolitical landscape.
NationPress
13/09/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the East Asia Summit?
The East Asia Summit is an annual meeting of Heads of States/Governments from participating countries aimed at promoting peace and security in the region.
When and where will the 20th East Asia Summit take place?
The 20th East Asia Summit is scheduled for October 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Who represented India at the EAS Prep-SOM?
P Kumaran, the Secretary (East) of the Ministry of External Affairs, represented India at the East Asia Summit Preparatory Senior Officials’ Meeting.
What was the focus of the EAS Prep-SOM meeting?
The meeting focused on reviewing preparations for the upcoming East Asia Summit, including discussions on its outcome documents.
What initiatives did India propose at the meeting?
India proposed an EAS Knowledge Exchange Workshop on Energy Efficiency Policies and Programs and invited participation in educational collaboration initiatives.